One Man's Search for Sports Memorabilia under $99

Favorite Ballplayer or Athlete

Who was your favorite ball player growing up? What athlete, when you think of him or her, elicits memories or feelings you’ve long ago forgotten. For me, that ball player was Tommie Agee. He was my first favorite New York Met.

1971 Topps Super Baseball #36–Tommie Agee

1971 Kelloggs Baseball #46–Tommie Agee. The second card I ever received. Carried it to school in my pocket, over and over.

He was always the one I was excited to see come up to the plate or try to steal a base. It was an instant bond. As a youngster, I tried to copy his batting stance. When he was on Kiners Korner, it was the best that Summer could possibly offer. When I was six or seven years old I took a blue magic marker to a perfectly good white T-shirt. I added pinstripes, the Mets logo on the front, and number 20 on the back…..Tommie Agee jersey! His time with the New York Mets was far too short. As was his life after baseball. We lost him far too soon.

Until recently, I owned one baseball jersey. About three years before José Reyes left for the Marlins by way of free agency, I had purchased his jersey. I always felt a little uncomfortable wearing it when he was no longer on the Mets. The Jersey received a second life when Jose was brought back a couple of years ago. That does not happen to often so I considered myself fortunate. I always considered picking up a Matt Harvey jersey. But with his tenure as a Met, a constant subject in the newspapers and talk radio. I opted against a Harvey jersey.

Mrs. V took care of any future needs or concerns I may have regarding purchasing jerseys by presenting me a Tommie Agee replica jersey for Christmas! Mrs. V did that!

Tommie Agee Replica Jersey–Gift from Mrs.V

Brandon Nimmo approves of my jersey.

I will proudly wear that jersey to Mets games, Mets functions, weddings, second weddings, bar mitzvahs, first communions, Thanksgivings, jury duty, births, funerals, anyplace two or more are gathered. It is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received and I won’t shoot my eye out.

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I recently had the opportunity to meet Martin Gover. He is a sports agent with Momentum Sports Management Inc. He represents Ed Kranepool. An original and lifelong New York Met. Martin is trying to get the word out regarding the liquidation of Ed Kranepool’s personal memorabilia collection. The bulk of which is New York Mets memorabilia. He emailed me a copy of this press release and asked that I share with as many folks as I can. Please contact Martin if you have any questions or wish to make an appointment. Prayers that all goes very well for Ed.

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Queens Baseball Convention 2018

Leading up to the 2018 Queens Baseball Convention on Saturday Jan 20th, there were just a few tickets remaining. The Met fans who purchased those remaining tickets came to realize just how fortunate they were to attend the 2018 Convention at Katch Astoria. It was a sellout and all fans attending were on the edge of their seat for many of the panels and discussions. Chris Flexen, Todd Hundley, and Brandon Nimmo were the featured guests. They shared fascinating details of growing up, getting the call to the major leagues, and plenty of stories of the game. The players became very comfortable and open in the setting. which allowed us to learn so much more about them.

Met fans have endured an offseason that has been less than uplifting. It is safe to say that while we have many concerns for this team, at least for a day, we could gather, discuss, and share our love of the team.

Finding Nimmo

Brandon Nimmo will be remembered as the breakout star of this convention. He was greeted with great enthusiasm and his smile was as broad as ever. Brandon exemplifies all that we hope for in our young men, and connected with the audience In a way that was a joy to be a part of. The fans attending the convention were excited to see Brandon.

Pete McCarthy of WOR and Brandon Nimmo

Brandon Nimmo autographed photo

While many who attended were fans of Brandon because he is a Met, that seemed to change late Saturday afternoon. Brandon quickly became a fan favorite among those present. He shared stories of growing up, of his baseball career, of his recent move to the New York City area and all were told with honesty and a sense of humor that was captivating. Nimmo answered questions about his role on the 2018 Mets with candor and honesty that can only come from a man with such character. This young man certainly connected with the fan base in a special way. It was truly a blessing, for all in attendance, to hear him speak.

Brandon Nimmo and I at the QBC 2018

Panels and Pics

The state of the Mets Panel, The Mets Execs Panel, The Uni Panel, and the live edition of “Mets Hot Stove” were all on par with their normal level of excellence. Lots of great guests, information, as well as plenty of exchanges between the panels and the audience. The layout allowed the fans to ask questions and interact with the sports writers, TV and radio personalities, and the bloggers that we all count on for our Mets info fix. Can’t explain how much fun this was.

Chris Flexen Panel

Todd Hundley. He could hit.

John Harper and Sal Licata provided a Live showing of Mets Hot Stove. This was a blast!

State of the Mets Panel. These folks are always fascinating.

Links and Resources

I would like to thank the Queen’s Baseball Convention team for putting on a tremendous event. Fantastic job. Lots of Mets vendors as well as giveaways and contests ALL DAY long added to the Metscentric vibe. Met fans can be proud of this off-season gathering.

Below are links to a couple of the panels. It is well worth the time to take them in. I have also included Twitter links to some of the folks that helped stage the convention. They are a great Mets resource and can give interesting views on the boys of summer.